With the head of the shipping company ESL, Mikki Koskinen, the European Shipowners’ Association (ECSA) will have a new President from January, who will be coming from Finland for the first time. There will also be a change in the position of Vice President.
Koskinen was most recently Vice President himself and succeeds Karin Orsel at the head of the association, who has held the position since January 2024. The ESL CEO was elected for the next two years. The same applies to the Greek Nikolas Veniamis – CEO of Golden Union Shipping Company and Starboard Shipping & Trading – as the new “second man”.
“Over the past six decades, ECSA has developed into an indispensable strategic partner of the European institutions. We consistently advocate for measures that strengthen the competitiveness of European shipping while driving sustainability, innovation and the energy transition in the industry. In view of today’s global challenges, the strategic role of European shipping is more important than ever. It is a cornerstone of European food, energy and supply chain security,” said the new President today.
ECSA represents 21 national shipping associations based in the EU and Norway.
Shipping is a success story for the continent and has made Europe a global pioneer in international supply chains. But the Finn also made it clear: “Looking to the future, the maritime sector is facing its most profound transformation yet. The energy transition in shipping, geopolitical uncertainties and increasing protectionism require decisive leadership and joint action.” He expressed confidence that ECSA’s future work will be characterized by the same vision and determination. “We must always raise a united and strong voice. We need the support of everyone. Because we must not forget: A safe Europe is not possible without competitive shipping,” says Koskinen.
The shipowner has been Managing Director of the shortsea and MPP shipping company ESL Shipping from the Aspo Group since 2013. He was previously Managing Director of the Meriaura shipping company. ESL also owns the carrier AtoB@C. The joint fleet comprises around 40 vessels with a load capacity of 4,000 to 25,000 tdw.
